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Emma Jeskanen: Things you should consider when packing for Townsville

So I thought I’d kick things off by telling you guys a bit of what I packed with me when I moved to Townsville. Us women usually tend to overpack so I thought it might be helpful if I shared some of the things I definitely shouldn’t have packed with me as well as some things I would have needed but didn’t end up packing. Hopefully some of these tips can save you from a bit of that pre-travel stress.

1. Cosmetics

Before you try to fit your whole bathroom in your suitcase, really think of the products you will need in your new location. I took with me small bottles of some essentials (like shampoo and conditioner) so I wouldn’t have to go buy them on the first day, which I think is a good idea, because obviously you want to freshen up and have a shower after you arrive. But I also took some really dumb things like that massive bottle of body lotion (like they don’t have body lotion in Australia?).

The biggest reason not to take all your cosmetics from back home is that you might not end up needing them in Townsville, since you might be moving to a completely different climate (at least I was). For example my hair requires different kind of treatments here than it does back home (did you know you need to use “sunscreen” for your hair as well?) and the northern European sunscreens might not be strong enough for the Australian sun so it’s just way easier to buy most of your cosmetics when you arrive.

2. Pack for cold weather also

What caught me by surprise: Townsville gets kinda cold! Or at least what feels like “cold” after the ridicilous heat of the summer months. Couple weeks ago we had a few really cold nights (9-10C) what meant that our old queenslander home was freezing in the mornings. I was walking around in my woolen socks, trackies and a jumper most of the day. So I’m really glad I brought some clothes for the cold weather as well!

Also, even during the summer months the air-con in some public places (and public transport) might be really cold, so I usually like to keep a long sleeved shirt at hand since I do tend to get a bit chilly!

3. Re-think the electronics

Australia will most likely have different kind of plugs than you have back home. This means that all your electronics will need adapters to work here. So maybe instead of taking all your five chargers and buying adapters for them it might be easier to just buy new chargers here? The same goes for things like hair dryers, curling irons etc. (unless they’re really expensive and great quality) you might be just better off getting new ones. This may or may not be worth it for you, but it’s definitely something to consider.

4. When was the last time you wore that dress?

I guess the simple question you should ask when you’re packing is when was the last time you wore that dress/shirt/shoes/etc? If it’s not within the last year, don’t bother packing it with you. I made this mistake with a few items, because I was trying to pack different kinds of clothes for as many different occasions as possible, thinking “You never know, I might get invited to a party and want to wear this little black dress”. Note to self: You do know. You haven’t worn that dress in four years, you’re not gonna wear it now. And the same goes for all other stuff as well. I hadn’t used my camera in years, but for whatever reason I thought I wanted to take it with me and now it’s just collecting dust on the shelf.

5. Take a small souvenir from home

Something that reminds you of home. Even the smallest thing can bring a huge level of comfort when feeling like you’re too far away from home.

6. Don’t stress too much

I think in the end you shouldn’t stress too much about packing for your studies. My course lasts two years, so I knew I wouldn’t be able to pack everything that I need in that time. Obviously in two years you’re bound to buy some new things, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you forget to pack something. And the same goes if you packed something you realized you didn’t need. Townsville is pretty good shopping-wise, so if there’s anything you didn’t pack, you can definitely get it from here.

I could probably write a whole book about packing, and I do realize whatever works for me might not work for you, but I hope these tips can help you a little in making your packing a bit more stress-free and instead help you get excited for your big move!